The Army team, reigning champions, kicked off the SportsWorld Super League 2026 tournament with a decisive victory against Cicia at Albert Park in Suva, setting a strong tone for the competition. Army managed to score an impressive 158 runs, while their opponents Cicia struggled, falling short at 113 runs.
Coach Tupou Colati reflected on the team’s performance, admitting they faced significant challenges in their preparation for the tournament. With limited time to get ready, he emphasized the need for his players to stay focused and determined in their quest to defend their championship title.
“Preparation for this tournament was not ideal; we didn’t have enough time, but I told the boys that as defending champions, we must focus on retaining our title,” Colati stated. He expressed satisfaction with their display against Cicia, while also acknowledging the need to learn from their mistakes and improve as they move forward in the tournament.
Colati pointed out the high level of competition this year and the challenges posed by defending their title. Nevertheless, he is hopeful, thanks to a mix of experienced players from last year’s squad and three new additions, which he believes will bolster their chances in the tournament.
“We have some strong competitors this year. Winning a tournament is straightforward, but defending it is a tough challenge. I have faith in my players; they possess the experience needed for this sport, and we are optimistic about the upcoming matches,” he noted.
Looking to the future, Colati stressed the significance of approaching each game with the mentality of playing a final, reinforcing the team’s dedication to performing at their best consistently throughout the competition. The Army team’s strong start and determination suggest there could be more thrilling moments ahead in this season’s tournament.
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